Renewed violence between Abbala and Beni Hussein in North Darfur

Renewed violence between Abbala and Beni Hussein tribesmen left “dozens” dead and injured on Wednesday in North Darfur. Witnesses told Radio Dabanga that the fighting began in the morning, and continued throughout the day until sunset, in spite of rainy weather. A number of wounded and two of the dead have been taken to the Al Sareif Beni Hussein city hospital, but as the violence is ongoing, accurate casualty figures are as yet unavailable. As previously reported by Radio Dabanga, tension between the tribes resulted in a suspension of the secure goods and petrol convoys between Saraf Omra and Al Sareif Beni Hussein over the weekend. The siege continued this week as the town was reportedly surrounded by Abbala militants and their vehicles. The Commissioner of Al Sareif Beni Hussein locality has appealed to both sides to put an end to the fighting and negotiate peace. Speaking to Radio Dabanga from Al Sareif city, Commissioner Haroun Hussein Jame stressed the need “to address the problem through the due processes of the law”. The displaced people in camps around Saraf Omra are living “in a state of fear and panic” because of the gathering of pro-government militiamen in the outskirts of the town. This led to the partial closure of the market two days ago. According to witnessed which led to lock the market two days ago. A sheikh of the camp told Radio Dabanga that a growing number of militiamen are gathering around the town. “They come from El Geneina and Nyala and other parts of Darfur and are now besieging all the camps, and all markets are closed,” he said. The sheikh appealed to authorities and the international community to immediately intervene to stop attacks by militias on the displaced.The Abbala and Beni Hussein tribes fought violently earlier this year over control of the Jebel ‘Amer gold mine in Al Sareif Beni Hussein locality, leaving at least 500 people killed. The UN estimates that more than 100,000 people were displaced. File photo by Albert González Farran/UNAMIDRelated:Abbala tribe ultimatum to Sudan government: Intervene or we’re out (25 June 2013)Tribal tensions close vital road in North Darfur (24 June 2013)New Beni Hussein – Abbala violence in North Darfur (23 June 2013)Preparations complete for Beni Hussein, Abbala tribe summit in North Darfur (29 May 2013)Report: North Darfur gold mine conflicts not inter-tribal; Sudan regime behind them (14 May 2013)